The Matildas and captain Sam Kerr will be aiming to create their own “piece of history” in Melbourne in February with the Australians to play Uzbekistan at Marvel Stadium in the match that will decide their Olympic fate.
Kerr, who headed in another goal for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League on Sunday night having missed Australia’s two recent clashes with Canada, will retake the field for the Matildas on Wednesday, February 28 with her team’s chances of making it to Paris going on the line.
The Matildas will play Uzbekistan over two legs, with the first on February 24 in Uzbekistan ahead of the second battle in the Victorian capital four days later.
The winner of the two-legged tie will become one of Asia’s two representatives in the 12-team field for the Paris 2024 Olympic women’s football tournament.
Getting to the Olympics has been the main goal of Matildas’ coach Tony Gustavsson, who is contracted until the end of the Games amid ongoing links to the Swedish men’s role.
“To have progressed to the final round of the Asian qualifiers demonstrates the improvement of Uzbekistan’s program and we will be approaching this match with the seriousness it deserves as they have beaten out quality nations to this stage,” Gustavsson said.
“For our team, this is an opportunity to continue adding to the significant legacy they have already built and to provide another moment where we can unite as a nation.
“This will be another massive occasion and in the past 12 months we have seen Australians from across the nation show up to be the vital 12th player in all the biggest moments. I am really looking forward to having that same amazing atmosphere and crowd to power the team to Paris.
“Qualifying for a third straight Women’s Olympic football tournament would be another piece of history for this group of players and I know every member of the team will be doing everything possible to be prepared.”
Veteran Matildas goalkeeper Lydia Williams said her team was “so close” to reaching another Olympic Games.
“We have a taste of it,” Williams said.
“Anything can happen in the game of football and we just have to make sure that we prepare the best way possible.”
Football Australia chief executive officer James Johnson said the Matildas were continuing to build off the momentum of making the final four at the home World Cup.
“We are confident that we will build on that connection in 2024 and this fan fervour will be a vital factor when we welcome the team for the first home international of the Year against Uzbekistan,” he said.
“The fierce backing of Victorians was evident in 2023 and we are looking forward to seeing them, and fans from across the country, come out again in full force in another pivotal match.”
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